How can PHP developers optimize SQL queries to prevent server timeouts when dealing with a large number of records?
To optimize SQL queries and prevent server timeouts when dealing with a large number of records, PHP developers can use techniques such as indexing columns used in WHERE clauses, limiting the number of records returned, and utilizing pagination to fetch data in smaller chunks. Additionally, developers can optimize query performance by avoiding unnecessary joins, using appropriate data types, and caching query results where possible.
// Example of optimizing SQL query with pagination
$page = $_GET['page'] ?? 1;
$limit = 10;
$offset = ($page - 1) * $limit;
$query = "SELECT * FROM table_name LIMIT $limit OFFSET $offset";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);
while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) {
// Process each row
}